Komuro met the press the day after surprise news of the couple's coming engagement cheered the country.

In the central Tokyo building where he works, Komuro, 25, replied to most questions by saying, "I will speak when the time comes."

The law firm worker and former university classmate of Princess Mako, 25, however, did tell reporters that he exchanged greetings with his fiancee-to-be over the phone in the morning.

After about five minutes of exchanges with reporters, Komuro bowed deeply and returned to his office in his dark suit.

Members of the press poured into the building of Komuro's office from early in the morning as numerous police officers stood on guard.

Meanwhile, Princess Mako, the eldest daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, left the Akasaka Imperial estate in central Tokyo, where she lives, by car on Wednesday morning to head for The University of Tokyo's University Museum, where she works as a researcher.

Sitting in the back of the car, the Princess lowered the window before the press corps and made a slight bow with a smile.

Princess Mako and Komuro met when they were studying at International Christian University in Tokyo.

At ICU, Komuro studied economics and international relations.

Among his friends, Komuro was known as a person who inspired others in class with his lively but serious nature.

In 2010, he was chosen as "Prince of the Sea," a tourism ambassador for the city of Fujisawa in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. His hobbies are playing the violin, skiing and cooking, according to a website of the city's tourism association.

Rina Namikawa, 26, who was named "Princess of the Sea" and took part in publicity activities with Komuro, said, "He is a fine, handsome man who is just like a prince."

Fluent in English, Komuro looked to talk with tourists from abroad who visited a local publicity event, according to Namikawa.

"He is dependable and talented," she said. "I want to congratulate him."

A 23-year-old company employee who used to live in the same dormitory at ICU as Komuro said he remembers seeing Komuro talk in English with his dorm mates from the United States about their dreams for the future. (Jiji Press)